Watertown, MA Condesa Restaurante Mexicano and Tequlia Bar opened at Arsenal Yards, located along the Charles River. This is Condesa’s third location with additional locations in Smithfield and West Warwick, R.I. The latest location at 80 Arsenal Yards Blvd. is bringing original family recipes from brothers Roberto and Ernesto Leon.
Inspired by their late father’s rich Mexican heritage, the Leon brothers were determined to bring a taste of genuine Mexican cuisine and culture to the United States. They started with Condesa’s first location in Smithfield in 2015, and with the help of their mother, father and aunt, they opened a second location in West Warwick, in 2018 and now Watertown in 2021. Named after the Mexico City neighborhood where their father grew up, the restaurant offers an authentic menu of traditional Yucatan and Southern Mexican dishes, delicious modern fusions and margaritas handcrafted with tequila from Jalisco, all made from scratch with the freshest ingredients.
“Condesa Restaurante Mexicano & Tequila Bar adds a family-run, specialized cuisine, and unique dining option to our already diverse lineup of restaurant, retail and entertainment destinations here at Arsenal Yards”, said Ryan Feinberg, vice president of leasing for Wilder. “The Leon brothers bring a vibrant energy and genuine authenticity to the neighborhood, and as the first Condesa location in Massachusetts, we know it will be hugely popular among our residents, community members, and guests alike.”
Condesa Restaurante Mexicano and Tequila Bar is the latest opening at Arsenal Yards this year, joining the current lineup of restaurants including celebrity chef Jason Santos’ Buttermilk & Bourbon, Tori Jiro, City Works Eatery and Frank Pepe, along with sweetgreen, Garbanzo, Shake Shack and others. The Arsenal Yards neighborhood also offers additional restaurants, shops and entertainment destinations, including the Majestic 7 cinema, and 302 apartment residences at Blvd & Bond. Arsenal Yards will soon be unveiling the new Bond Sq. outdoor space, which will host events and activities in addition to the neighborhood’s River Green. Over the coming months, Arsenal Yards will also welcome new additions, including Vitality Bowls, Pokeworks, Taffer’s Tavern, Kura Sushi and more.
Honoring their family ties, the Leon brothers’ mother brings her cooking skills to the Condesa kitchen, teaching their father’s tried-and-true recipes. Fan favorite dishes include the popular Yucatan staple Cochimita Pibil, a slow cooked pork in annatto achiote marinade, and classic Carne Asada grilled skirt steak. Live Mexican jazz performers, authentic art and décor, and a modern, open space further contribute to the lively environment. Guests can also join the Condesa Tequila Club by purchasing their own bottle from Condesa’s extensive tequila list and can store it in one of the restaurant’s lockers to taste whenever they visit!
“We are super excited to finally bring this great project to life and be part of this vibrant community here at Arsenal Yards,” said Roberto Leon, co-owner of Condesa Restaurante Mexicano & Tequila Bar. “We live by our tagline, ‘Condesa! De mi barrio a tu mesa!’ which translates to, ‘Condesa! From my town to your table!’ We look forward to welcoming residents of Watertown and beyond to our table for a deliciously authentic meal and many memories to come.”